But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore petty insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise]. Matthew 5:39
Rise Above Your Critics
(A disclaimer: this is not about asking for critical feedback for improvement. This is how to react to people who attack you for known or unknown reasons.)
When crows attack a hawk, the hawk does not counterattack. Instead, he soars higher and higher until the other birds leave him alone.
How do you rise above critics?
Live undefended.
Whoa! No one likes that advice. In this world, we have learned we must take up for ourselves! We have our rights!
One of Jesus' greatest temptations was when He was arrested, tried, and hung on the cross.
He was tempted several times to retaliate or prove that He was the son of God on their terms.
None of His critics had any idea that He would prove He was the son of God on God's terms.
When the chief priests and the elders accused him, he did not answer.
Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against You?"
But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. (Matthew 27:12-14)
Not defending ourselves isn't the world's way.
Saying nothing is unheard of and rarely respected by people.
The world's way is, "I am better because I am not responding," or" "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," or" "You just wait; what goes around comes around."
When I say live undefended, I speak of not defending yourself because you have One who does all your defending.
Jesus didn't need to defend Himself, for He knew who He was and whose He was.
Like Him, we are His children; all that matters is who God says we are. It is precisely the same thing when critics throw shade our way.
It is all about knowing what God knows and thinks about you, His beloved.
We rise above by walking on the higher road with Him.
"Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm." Colossians 3:2
How have you allowed critics to rob you of your precious headspace?
How have you allowed critics to get under your skin, leading to heart inflammation?
How might you move forward and become fruitful because of criticism?
Lord, teach us to guard our hearts against the enemy's wiles. Let us see the distraction attempts and have them lead us to our true attraction, You. Amen